Zoo employee fired after admitting to drinking and operating train

Courtesy: Nashville Zoo. (Note: This is a file photo and not a photo of the actual incident or employee)

Zoo employee fired after admitting to drinking and operating train

Courtesy: Nashville Zoo. (Note: This is a file photo and not a photo of the actual incident or employee)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A former zoo employee’s decision making went off the rails Thursday and had parents upset and zoo officials playing damage control. An unidentified 24-year-old woman admitted to drinking during her lunch break and returning to operate the Wilderness Express Train according to WSMV. The Wilderness Express is a miniature train that runs on an unfixed, circular concrete path.

The train operator reportedly made two circuits with families on board and proceeded to drop a handful of tokens, which raised suspicion into her condition. Zoo president Rick Schwartz confirmed that guest services were notified and she was permanently relieved of her duties.

No one was hurt during the incident and the zoo said in a statement that it deeply regretted the incident and will take necessary precautions to ensure it’s an isolated problem.